Relationship Building and Personal Development

The Relationship Building and Personal Development section of The Bookshelf includes a wide range of books I’ve read over the years. Although some can be more directly related to the art and business of photography, all of them have helped develop who I am, and therefore how and what I photograph.

You can purchase the books below by following the links to the Book Depository. These links are affiliate links whereby I get a small commission if you purchase a book while you get the same great price you would anyway. The commissions help to give me the ability to improve this site. Win-win if you ask me!

How to Win Friends & Influence People

– by Dale Carnegie

TYPE: People Skills, Relationships, Personal Development

Although the title initially turned me away, I’m so happy that I finally read this classic by Dale Carnegie. Although the language may seem a bit dated, the lessons and parables will remind you of the basic elements of human relationship and if practiced, lead you to greater success.

Crucial Conversations

– by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler

TYPE: People Skills, Relationships, Personal Development

People at work are always hearing about this book when they come to me with a difficult issue that need to be communicated. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s always good to have tools on how to deal with difficult situations that may arise on shoot or with clients. Their methods of breaking down how to have crucial conversations is something you can actually implement.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just photographers.

The Three Laws of Performance

– by Steve Zaffron & Dave Logan

Have you ever considered that maybe you’re the one that stopping yourself from realizing your own potential and seeing the success that you want so badly? In this book, you get to look at how the stories you tell yourself are limiting what you can accomplish. It is the ideas in this book that made the difference in my choosing to make photography a career.

Dive in, try it on and prepare yourself for a ride.

The Power of Now

– by Eckhart Tolle

TYPE: Personal Development, Presence

Some people might be wondering why a book like this made it on the list. I love this book. It is all about finding presence and emptying the mind of the constant chatter that get in the way of seeing the world as it is.

The ability to get present is invaluable to a photographer, as the very act of photography tends to be “in the moment”. It also helps when conditions aren’t ideal. Acceptance of what is allow you be able to focus on solutions. A must read.

The Art of Happiness

– by The Dalai Lama & Howard C. Cutler

TYPE: Personal Development, Presence, Happiness

I’ve read so many book by the Dalai Lama that I’ve lost count. This was the first one that I read and it was incredible. The perspectives he shares are powerful and applicable to everyone, not just Buddhists.

Its not often that I read a book that has such humanity. It is beautiful.

The Four Agreements

– by Don Miguel Ruiz

TYPE: Personal Development, Integrity

This one was recommended by my brother in law. Although not from from a tradition I know much about (Toltec Wisdom), I really connected with the four agreements.It took concepts that I heard elsewhere and presented in a different and engaging way.

Although seemingly simple, being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions and trying your best are incredible powerful you find you have difficulties in any of these areas, check out this book.

The Gifts of Imperfection

– by Brene Brown

TYPE: Personal Development, Vulnerability

Most of us have a need to look good in front of other people (scroll though Instagram as an example). After many years of research, Brene Brown has found that the happiest and most successful people are those who let other in. People who are vulnerable and share their shortcomings.

If that all sounds scary to you (as it did to me), I encourage you to pick up this book and at least consider the benefits vulnerability might bring you.

Emotional Intelligence

– by Daniel Goleman

TYPE: Personal Development, Emotions, Relationships

Being smart and technical allows you to do things in the world. However, since most endeavors are in partnership with other human beings, it’s important to understand emotions. As Daniel Goleman point out in this book, it is often the person with the greater emotional intelligence that will be more successful than some who just has a high IQ.

If you’re interested in learning on how to read situations better and improve your emotional intelligence, this book is for you.

Strengths Finder 2.0

– by Tom Rath

TYPE: Personal Development, Excellence, Strengths

The premise of Strength Finder rests on the assumption that we are better off working on our strengths to make them as strong as possible rather than wasting time on perceived weaknesses. Its fascinating how much time we spend on improving weaknesses only to find that we often can’t excel in those areas. Wouldn’t our time be better spent on the areas where we can be extraordinary?

In this interactive book, you get to take an online questionaire designed by Gallup to find out what your strengths are. Then you read the book to figure out how to make the most of them.